How to add a new Slow Ways route

The ambition is to establish a national network of mapped, reviewed, rated, verified and surveyed walking routes that connect all of the United Kingdom’s towns and cities. Over 7,000 are already mapped.

There can be more than one Slow Way option between settlements. Why might you add a route?

• Different route options can be valuable for different users, needs and purposes.
• Landscape, features and barriers can all influence the process of route plotting, and create the need for more than one option.
• Where there is an obvious gap in the Slow Ways network, route additions are welcome.

Please look at existing routes first

If the route being considered is not significantly better, or does not follow Slow Ways methodology, please do not add it. The aim is to avoid route clutter. 

If there is a useful alternative route that follows a Slow Ways methodology (below) please do add it. 

How can you add a route? 

Routes can be added from any Slow Ways page or Route page. 

You cannot actually pot a route using the Slow Ways website. You will need to do that using OS Maps or another platform.

All routes must start and finish at the published meeting points. These are precise locations where routes connect, and tend to be close to public transport. Find them on the route upload page that links from every route page. 

All routes should follow a set methodology. As far as is reasonable a route should:

1. be safe

2. respect local codes and laws

3. be accessible to as many people as possible

4. be direct

5. be off road

6. have resting places to eat or sleep every 5-10km

7. pass through train and bus stations

8. be easy to navigate

9. be enjoyable and beautiful

10. use established routes (such as the Welsh Coast Path or John Muir Way), but not be distracted by them.

Guidance for creating Slow Ways routes in Scotland, Wales, England

When it comes to paths, access and rights of way, each of Great Britain’s nations has its own legal, devolved, cultural and historical considerations.

• Scotland - Click here for detailed information and guidance from a City Council Access Officer.
• England - Click here for detailed information from Ramblers UK on types of paths and Rights of Way law.
• Wales - Click here for detailed information from Ramblers UK on types of paths and Rights of Way law.